The Southern HIV Impact Fund (SHIF) operates as a pooled fund with a coordinated approach to bring a strategic focus on HIV care and prevention services, advocacy and movement-building, and leadership development efforts in the South. With support from Gilead Sciences, ViiV Healthcare, and a generous anonymous donor, AIDS United administers the Fund. Collaboratively, we aim to promote efforts in the U.S. South to combat HIV, increase diverse leadership reflective of the regional epidemic, and allocate additional resources to the South through grants and technical support. As part of these efforts, AIDS United hosted Billy Hollaway as a SHIF Summer Fellow. Fellowships provide HBCU students who are interested in working in the HIV field with opportunities to grow their skills and develop into stronger leaders who will champion change in the future. This program is part of AIDS United and SHIF’s commitment to foster the next generation of HIV leaders.
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The SHIF program has been an incredible and unforgettable experience that has truly reshaped my career path. From the moment I was offered the internship and joined that first Zoom call with the SHIF team, I sensed that this opportunity would be life changing. Philanthropy was completely new to me, and although I was initially nervous, the team’s support and guidance gave me confidence every step of the way.
Over time, I gained a deeper understanding of how SHIF truly transforms communities. I had the opportunity to attend the Southern AIDS Coalition SOS in 2025 as a fellow intern with SHIF, and it was a pivotal moment for me. It was there that I witnessed firsthand how AIDS United collaborates with organizations and secures critical funding to create real, lasting change in healthcare access and community impact.
Fast forward to 2026, when the SHIF team invited me to assist with the State of the South Tour, I said yes without hesitation because I knew it would be another impactful learning experience that could further expand my knowledge of the career path I hope to pursue. Throughout this experience, I was able to engage in meaningful conversations surrounding the challenges many communities across the South are currently facing, especially regarding healthcare access and policy changes. Many discussions focused on the political determinants of health, including concerns surrounding efforts to defund healthcare programs and the broader governmental changes taking place during the Trump administration. Together, participants shared ideas on how organizations and communities could continue advocating for equitable healthcare access while also developing strategies that could create positive, lasting change.
One of the most impactful parts of this experience was observing the level of participation and collaboration among everyone involved. From the very beginning, participants were fully engaged and committed to making the State of the South Tour impactful and meaningful. I observed individuals openly sharing the issues their states were facing while also working collectively to identify solutions and opportunities for progress. Participants thoughtfully discussed where throughout the South the tour could have the greatest impact, while also providing valuable resources, ideas, and community connections that could strengthen the tour’s mission and outreach efforts.
I also observed participants actively contributing ideas for important discussion topics that could be addressed throughout the tour. The collaboration, passion, and willingness to work together demonstrated how deeply committed everyone was to create conversations that could inspire awareness, advocacy, and meaningful action within underserved communities.
My experience as a SHIF Summer Intern has laid the foundation for what I now know is the field I want to pursue. The knowledge, mentorship, and values I gained throughout this journey have cemented my dedication to a career in human relations and community centered work, aligned with the purpose and passion that the SHIF team so powerfully embodies.
I am forever grateful for this opportunity and the lasting impact it has had on me. SHIF has not only guided my growth professionally and personally, but it has also ignited a purpose that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my career.
Forever grateful,
Billy Hollaway